Wayland Union Schools’ bus fleet, which numbers 24 buses, recently received another perfect safety inspection.

Michigan State Police every year sends an inspector to conduct an analysis of more than 20 areas for every school bus. Buses are graded on a three-color system. Green means the bus is safe to operate. Yellow means there’s a problem, but it’s still safe to carry students. Those buses must be repaired within 60 days. Red means the bus has a serious safety issue and must be pulled until it is repaired and re-inspected.

For the 2018-2019 inspection year, WUS buses received only green tags.

“Our school buses travel approximately 350,000 miles each school year,” said Transportation Supervisor Tim Washburn. “We’re very proud of the hard work and dedication from our head mechanic, Steve Kennedy, and the drivers who alert him of any potential repairs all year long.”

Wayland Union Schools’ bus fleet has received a perfect safety inspection 10 out of the last 12 years – two from minor repairs or yellow tags.  One year was from a flat tire and the other from a small rust hole, both of which didn’t keep the buses off the road, but could be repaired quickly.

State inspections include an evaluation of body and sheet metal, brake system, chassis and frame, emergency exits and aisles, engine and drive train, fuel systems, glass, lighting and electrical, mirrors, miscellaneous equipment, paint and markings, seats and barriers, service door, special needs equipment, steering, suspension, tire, wheel and hub.

Superintendent Norman Taylor said, “School bus safety is a high priority. The track record of perfect safety inspections demonstrate the commitment of our head mechanic and transportation department to keep students safe.”